Kashmir Valley, known as the Paradise on Earth is witnessing an unprecedented heat wave. Valley broke a record of 25 years on July 3 with the temperature hitting 35.6 degrees running 6 degrees above normal. Experts believe the rise in mercury is due to the persistent dry spell leading to the increase in maximum temperatures. The visitors landing in Kashmir Valley to get respite from the heat wave across North India are highly disappointed by the high temperatures and scorching heat in the Valley. 

The Boulevard Road overlooking the Dal Lake is one of the busiest roads in the Srinagar City but with the scorching heat, there are only a few visitors visible during the day. 

Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6°C which is 6.0°C above normal. It is the highest July temperature recorded in Srinagar since 1999, when the maximum temperature reached 37.0°C on July 9. Overall, it is the 11th highest maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar in July. The all-time highest maximum temperature is 38.3°C recorded on July 10, 1946.

'' Yesterday's temperature was 35.6 degrees and it was the highest temperature since 1999 when the temperature was 37.0 degrees, and it is also the 11th highest temperature recorded ever in the month of July in Srinagar. And it's not only Srinagar but also the higher reaches like Kokernag which recorded the all-time highest temperature. For Qazigund station and Gulmarg which also broke its decade-old record, a similar heat wave was also seen in north plains and south Kashmir as well, '' said Faizan Arif, Weather Analyst and Forecaster.

Tourists landing in Kashmir Valley and other North Indian states like Himachal and Uttarakhand are highly disappointed with heat waves not sparing these higher reaches as well. Kashmir, this year is no different than the rest of India. People who were expecting to witness icy winds and escape the scorching heat of the rest of the country are shocked to witness heat waves in the Valley as well.  The MeT Department has predicted that the heat wave will continue for the next two Days.

''This is very hot, it's around 35-36 and in UP it's 41, not much of a difference. I did not expect this hot weather at all, we thought it would be pleasant and we would do a lot of adventure activities. We are staying inside the hotel all day and not venturing out due to heat. I am travelling with thermals, jackets and sweaters and we have not even opened it as we are feeling extremely hot here,'' said Vishwa Gupta, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh. 

The MeT has said that there is no hope of any respite from the heat in the next 48 hours. The weather is not only high in Srinagar city but also at tourist places on higher reaches like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kokernag and Verinag.  

'' It's very hot here, it at least rains in our areas, and here we have only seen scorching heat. We have come to Kashmir to witness cold weather, but we are sweating here. We have brought woollens but have not used them. Only wearing T-shirts as it's hot. Very disappointed with the weather, the sun is extremely intense here, '' said Tanya Gupta, a tourist. 

The Jammu and Kashmir Government under the Heat Wave Action Plan has designated departments and nodal officers to help or assist affected individuals. The administration has urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their health during this period of hot weather.